GOOD samaritan Kim Spencer from Quorn is encouraging people to learn first aid skills after she came to the rescue of a walker who had fallen in Beacon Hill.

Kim, aged 56, attended a St John Ambulance first aid course for carers earlier this year so that she would have the skills to help husband David who has Parkinsons.

But within weeks of her training, she had helped a local woman who fell while walking on Beacon Hill. Kim’s prompt action in calling 999 and knowing a few basics in first aid, meant the woman received medical attention and, it’s understood, was later airlifted to hospital.

She said: “I was walking with my dog Misty over Beacon Hill. It was a bitterly cold and drizzly day. Suddenly I heard a cry for help. I looked over to my right and saw a lady lying on the rocks. I rushed over and realised she was lying awkwardly on her back with her head pointing downhill. She was conscious but obviously in pain so I called the emergency services then looked at how I might help her. As she had fallen awkwardly, I decided not to move her in case I did more damage.

“Her hands were grazed a little and she was cold so I used my coat to wrap around her to keep her warm as I was aware that shock might set in. I kept talking to her but she was obviously confused so I tried to keep her calm until help arrived.

“I stayed with her for about 45 minutes until the paramedics arrived. I was so relieved to hand over to them. I later learned that she had been airlifted to hospital and had to have an operation to remove an object that was embedded in her side.”